Peace And Security Council

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The Peace and Security Council (PSC) is the standing organ of the AU for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. It is a key element of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), which is the umbrella term for the main AU mechanisms for promoting peace, security and stability in Africa

The PSC was established to be a collective security and ‘early warning’ arrangement with the ability to facilitate timely and efficient responses to conflict and crisis situations. The PSC’s core functions are to conduct early warning and preventive diplomacy, facilitate peace-making, establish peace-support operations and, in certain circumstances, recommend intervention in Member States to promote peace, security and stability. The …show more content…

Article 5(2) of the PSC Protocol lists criteria for members including: contribution to the promotion and maintenance of peace and security in Africa; participation in conflict resolution, peace-making and peace-building at regional and continental levels; willingness and ability to take up responsibility for regional and continental conflict resolution initiatives; contribution to the Peace Fund and/or Special Fund; respect for constitutional governance, the rule of law and human rights; and commitment to AU financial obligations.

The PSC Secretariat, established under article 10(4) of the PSC Protocol, provides direct operational support. The Secretariat sits within the AU Commission’s Peace and Security Department (see the AU Commission section for more information about the Department). …show more content…

The Chairperson may bring to the PSC’s attention any matter that may threaten peace, security and stability in the continent, and may request briefings from PSC committees and other AU organs and institutions. The agenda is based on proposals submitted by the Chairperson of the AU Commission and by Member States. The inclusion of any item on the provisional agenda may not be opposed by a Member State.

PSC decisions are guided by the principle of consensus. Where consensus is not possible, decisions on procedural matters are taken by a simple majority; and on substantive matters, by a two-thirds majority (PSC Protocol, article 8(13)). A member that is party to a conflict or situation under consideration by the PSC may not participate in the discussion and decision- making process relating to that conflict or situation (PSC Protocol, article

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